West Brom 1 Manchester United 2 (Premier League, January 1, 2011) Wayne Rooney scored his first goal from open play since March 2010 at the Hawthorns, heading Manchester United into a 3rd minute lead. A stunning strike from James Morrison 11 minutes later evened things up. After the hour the Baggies had a great chance to go ahead when Peter Odemwingie missed a penalty, flashing a horrible effort wide. In typical style, United won the match with 15 minutes to go, Javier Hernandez heading home a Rooney corner.

If Arsenal is going to keep the pressure on Manchester United in the English Premier League title race the Gunners will need to win at the same stadium where Manchester United recently stumbled, St. James' Park.

Arsenal take on Birmingham today in one of the more intriguing match-ups of today's New Year's Day Schedule. Manchester United opened the day's action at West Bromwich Albion, but the Gunners can keep pressure on with a win in Birmingham.

Bolton takes on Liverpool in another must-see clash, though American midfielder Stuart Holden is sidelined by an injury. Clint Dempsey is in action today as Fulham meets Tottenham in another quality tilt.

If you will be watching today's action please feel free to share your thoughts, opinions and some play-by-play in the comments section below.

Enjoy the action (Today's TV schedule is after the jump):

TODAY'S SOCCER ON TV

7:45am- ESPN2- West Bromwich Albion vs. Manchester United

8am- Fox Soccer Plus- Leeds United vs. Middlesbrough

10am-Fox Soccer Channel- Manchester City vs. Blackpool

10am-Fox Soccer Plus- Liverpool vs. Bolton

10am- FoxSoccer.tv- Tottenham vs. Fulham

10am- FoxSoccer.tv- West Ham vs. Wolverhampton

10am- FoxSoccer.tv- Stoke City vs. Everton

10am- FoxSoccer.tv- Sunderland vs. Blackburn

NOON- Fox Soccer Plus- West Ham vs. Wolverhampton (Delayed)

12:30PM- Fox Soccer Channel- Birmingham City vs. Arsenal

2PM- Fox Soccer Plus- Watford vs. Portsmouth

2:30PM- Fox Soccer Channel- Tottenham vs. Fulham (Delayed)

3am- Fox Soccer Channel- Adelaide United vs. Brisbane Roar

In a match-up of an overachieving team against an underachieving squad, Stuart Holden and Bolton take on struggling Liverpool in one of the more intriguing matches of the weekend.

Liverpool is in desperation mode as Roy Hodgson faces immense pressure to turn around an ugly season, while Owen Coyle and the Trotters are enjoying a dream season to date.

The Spanish First Division is back in action this weekend, with Barcelona beginning 2011 after finishing 2010 in strong fashion.

Here is a rundown of This Weekend's Soccer on TV:

THIS WEEKEND'S SOCCER ON TV

SATURDAY

7:45am- ESPN2- West Bromwich Albion vs. Manchester United

8am- Fox Soccer Plus- Leeds United vs. Middlesbrough

10am-Fox Soccer Channel- Manchester City vs. Blackpool

10am-Fox Soccer Plus- Liverpool vs. Bolton

10am- FoxSoccer.tv- Tottenham vs. Fulham

10am- FoxSoccer.tv- West Ham vs. Wolverhampton

10am- FoxSoccer.tv- Stoke City vs. Everton

10am- FoxSoccer.tv- Sunderland vs. Blackburn

NOON- Fox Soccer Plus- West Ham vs. Wolverhampton (Delayed)

12:30PM- Fox Soccer Channel- Birmingham City vs. Arsenal

2PM- Fox Soccer Plus- Watford vs. Portsmouth

2:30PM- Fox Soccer Channel- Tottenham vs. Fulham (Delayed)

3am- Fox Soccer Channel- Adelaide United vs. Brisbane Roar

SUNDAY

7:45am- No TV- Rangers vs. Celtic

8:30am- Fox Soccer Channel- Chelsea vs. Aston Villa

11am- Fox Soccer Channel- Wigan vs. Newcastle United

NOON- ESPN3.com- Barcelona vs Levante

2PM- ESPN3.com- Sevilla vs. Osasuna

4PM- ESPN.com- Valencia vs. Espanyol

In any sport, a championship season depends on getting some breaks at the right times. Some of those breaks occur in the offseason, when the current season's roster is composed of trades scrutinized by the media as well as those that fly under the radar. The trade of Jeff Larentowicz to the Rapids was the former, one noted by the press. But its true impact wasn't seen until November when the former Revolution midfielder, who arguably was the MVP of the MLS Cup, helped lead Colorado to their first championship.

The Larentowicz trade this offseason was not a surprise; the Brown graduated needed to get out of town to fully realize his potential. After some overseas try-outs that he admits were not as promising as they seemed as well as offseason surgery, he and Wells Thompson landed in Gary Smith's lap in a trade both teams needed. Colorado had been watching Larentowicz for some time and was ready for an offer as soon as the overseas possibilities fell through. He was a playoff veteran who would stabilize the Rapids' midfield.

And stabilize it he did. The 2010 All-Star had a banner year, providing the midfield stability needed for Smith's team and serving as a defensive stopper. His presence also allowed Pablo Mastroeni to be more involved in the offense where he matched his career high in goals. Plus his stellar season earned him a call to Bob Bradley's January camp for a shot at making the U.S. national team. Undeniably, acquiring Larentowicz was key to Colorado's unexpected MLS Cup run.

But what is Colorado had not been able to acquire him this past offseason? While Larentowicz acknowledged that overseas offers were not forthcoming, the trade could have fallen through. Despite his unhappiness playing in Foxboroug! h, the R evolution could have kept him as they went through somewhat of a transition year after their great runs in the late-2000s. If keeper Matt Reis would not have been hurt, the Revolution would not have needed Rapids' keeper Preston Burpo, an important part of the trade. Or maybe another club, like Philadelphia where he went to high school, could have swept in with a better offer.

A Colorado without Jeff Larentowicz would have been a vastly different team. Without his pairing with Mastroeni, I suspect the Rapids would still be without an MLS Cup. Their defense, which was a team weakness this season, would have been even worse. As for Larentowicz, he may have still been struggling in his career and not have been able to reach his full potential. On the other hand, maybe Philadelphia could have paired him with Sebastian Le Toux. Talk about an interesting midfield pairing!

But what do you think would have happened had Colorado not traded for Larentowicz?

Related posts:

By FRANCO PANIZO

The new year is almost upon us and so too is the return of action in La Liga, meaning we could see Jozy Altidore make his third appearance this season in the opening days of 2011.

Altidore and Villarreal get back to work after a brief break by taking on struggling Almeria on Monday. Almeria is barely above the relegation zone and has won just once in its past 11 games, so Altidore could make a lengthy cameo off the bench should Villarreal take a multi-goal lead.Villarreal, currently in third place, needs a win because anything short of three points would likely squash any remaining title hopes.

Eric Lichaj and Aston Villa aren't thinking of winning their respective league, but they do need a win so as to further themselves from the drop zone. Aston Villa squares off with Chelsea this weekend, and that means Lichaj would be matched up against Flourent Malouda if the American were to start.

If you're a fan of the lower leagues in England then you'll likely enjoy this weekend as many teams in the Championship and League One play twice in two days. Conor Doyle and Derby County are one of those teams, battling Preston North End on Saturday before playing Millwall on Monday.

Here is a rundown of who the Americans Abroad play this weekend:

SATURDAY

Stuart Holdenand Bolton Wanderers play Liverpool.

Tim Howardand Everton play Stoke City.

Clint Dempsey, Eddie Johnsonand Fulham play Tottenham Hotspur.

Jonathan Spectorand West Ham United playMarcus Hahnemannand Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Brad Guzan and Hull City play Leicester City.

Zak Whitbreadand Norwich City play Queens Park Rangers. (Whitbread is out injur! ed.)

Conor Doyleand Derby County play Preston North End.

Frank Simek, Mike Grellaand Carlisle United play Huddersfield Town.

Jemal Johnsonand Milton Keynes Dons play Bristol Rovers.

Anton Peterlinand Plymouth Argyle play Yeovil Town.

SUNDAY

Brad Friedel, Eric Lichajand Aston Villa play Chelsea.

Maurice Eduand Rangers play Celtic.

Dominic Cervi and Dundee play Ross County.

MONDAY

Conor Doyleand Derby County play Millwall.

Zak Whitbreadand Norwich City play Middlesbrough. (Whitbread is out injured.)

Brad Guzan and Hull City play Portsmouth.

Frank Simek, Mike Grellaand Carlisle United play Tranmere Rovers.

Jemal Johnsonand Milton Keynes Dons play Yeovil Town.

Jozy Altidore and Villarreal play Almeria.

----------------

Do you see Altidore getting a lengthy cameo against Almeria? How do you think Lichaj will fare against Malouda should the two square off? Think playing two games in two days like Derby County and Doyle are doing is a bit much?

Share your thoughts below.

By John Toner

Tottenham v Fulham, Premier League, December 31, 2010

Tottenham 1.467; Draw 4.500; Fulham 8.620

Bet on the Premier League with Pinnacle Sports.

After going twenty six league matches without one, Fulham finally got an away win at Stoke on Tuesday. However they face a difficult task if they are to make it back to back away victories at White Hart Lane on New Years Day.

The London neighbours approach yet another festive fixture with vastly differing ambitions, however, the significance of the three points is of equal weight in both camps. A win for Spurs would send them above Chelsea and back into the top 4, whilst a win for Fulham would lift them out of the relegation zone and into the relatively heady heights of 14th position if other results were to go their way.

Tottenham will go into the game brimming with confidence having won their last two Premier League fixtures despite being reduced to ten men for significant portions of both games. As well as this Harry Redknapps charges are unbeaten in their last ten games in all competitions and even managed their second domestic clean sheet of the season in the 2-0 home win over Newcastle United.

After a run of eight games without a win the three points gained away to Stoke will have lifted Mark Hughes men, the significance of which is not lost on defender John Paintsil: We were tactically disciplined on the pitch and everyone did really well. When we do our jobs the team game takes care of itself. What we have to do now is continue that form on Saturday against Spurs. However without a win in seven attempts against the Lilywhites, Fulham will be all too aware of how different a proposition Spurs represent.

The hosts go into the game without the services of Jermain Defoe and Younes Kaboul who are both servin! g suspen sions. William Gallas looks set to return after three and a half weeks out with a hamstring strain while Robbie Keane (hamstring) is doubtful and Carlo Cudicini is out with a shoulder problem. Tottenham will also be without long term absentees Ledley King (groin), Tom Huddlestone (ankle), Jamie OHara (back) and Jonathan Woodgate (groin).

Moussa Dembele was hoping to make his long awaited return for Fulham after suffering ankle ligament damage in November but will just miss out, however Mark Hughes is confident the striker will return for the West Brom game on January 4th. It could prove timely for Fulham as fellow forward Bobby Zamora (broken leg) will be out for at least another couple of weeks.

Also still unavailable for the Cottagers are Phillipe Senderos (Achilles) and Matthew Briggs (calf) while Mark Schwarzer will play his last game before heading off to play in the Asian Cup with Australia.

Current form and recent history in this fixture do not bode well for Fulham and Tottenhams class and strength in depth should see them through. However, due to its congested nature and the fact that footballers are humans after all and will celebrate Christmas and or New Year to some degree, the packed festive schedule does have the capacity to turn out some unexpected results.

It could be argued that Fulham are more in need of the three points due to their perilous position near the foot of the table and the lurking danger of relegation, although, a lot has been staked on a successful season at Spurs and most importantly a return to the Champions League.

If either club fails to achieve its respective ambitions a large drop in revenue and the risk of losing some of their most prized assets awaits, from now on, every point counts.

Toners Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 3 Fulham 1.

Tottenham 1.467; Draw 4.500; Fulham 8.620

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Photo by ISIPhotos.com

With 2010 down to its last day and final hours, it's time to you to share with us the most memorable moments of an eventful year.

What, from a soccer standpoint, will you remember most about 2010? Will it be Landon Donovan's goal against Algeria? The USA-England World Cup match? The Colorado Rapids winning MLS Cup? Thierry Henry signing with MLS? Juan Agudelo's U.S. national team debut? Inter Milan's treble? Akron's championship season? Stuart Holden's rise? The arrival of the Philadelphia Union? Spain's run to the World Cup?

Will you remember negative or sad things? Will it be the FIFA shadiness, or the USA loss to Ghana? The Netherlands and their World Cup final thuggery? Nigel DeJong's bone breaking? Togo's African Cup of Nations tragedy? The retirements of Taylor Twellman, Steve Ralston and Brian McBride, among so many others?

I will share my favorite 2010 moments later on today. For now, please feel free to share your favorite soccer moments of 2010 in the comments section below.

Added December 31st, 2010 by Ian SOCCER One of the sickest sports stories in 2010, or any type of story for that matter, involved the attack on the team bus of the Togo national soccer team in Angola in January. Some form of justice has been handed down as an attacker named Joao Antonio Prati was sentenced to 24 years in jail by an Angolan court on Dec. 29th for his part in the ambush which took place in the countrys Cabinda province. The attack took place just before the African Cup of Nations soccer tournament got underway.According to Cabinda attorney general Antonio Nito, the court analyzed the evidence and facts of the case and was satisfied that Puati had a role in the deadly incident that killed two Togo team members and injured several more. He was found guilty on the charge of armed rebellion. The ambush lasted for about 30 minutes as attackers fired automatic weapons at the bus. Responsibility for the attack was claimed by the Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda (FLEC).This group has been fighting for independence for the last 30 years in the oil-rich area. Its estimated that Angola produces most of the 1.8 million barrels of oil a day off of Cabindas coast, but the region is among the countrys poorest. Puati originally pleaded not guilty when his trial got underway and he claimed that he didnt have any type of connection to the separatist group that claimed responsibility for the killings. Another accused man named Daniel Simbai ended up being acquitted in court on the same charges Puati faced.Nito told the press that Puati was present during the attack and his link with the FLEC group was established during the legal proceedings. However, a BBC correspondent reported that defence lawyers for Puati have appealed to the Supreme Court of Angola. The lawyers claimed that the! prosecu tion didnt connect their client to FLEC during the case. They also claimed that the evidence was taken from statements made by the police, which they said were given by Puati while he was in custody.In fact, a defence lawyer named Arao Tempo stated to the BBC that Puati had actually been tortured while he was in jail and was forced to confess his involvement and connection with FLEC. Tempo added that the jail sentence was nothing more than a political one. He said the sentencing is just a warning to FLEC and its supporters. Four human-rights activists who were arrested over the ambush were let out of jail last week. Some human-rights groups have said Angola is using the ambush as a way to justify cracking down on the nations critics in Cabinda.
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Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan has been in need of regular playing time ever since leaving Major League Soccer to join the Villans, but the presence of Brad Friedel has made getting games all but impossible.

The solution could be coming for Guzan in the form of a loan to League Championship side Hull City. Sources have told SBI that Guzan is finalizing a loan move to the former Premier League side and former home of U.S. national team striker Jozy Altidore.

Hull City is currently sitting in 15th place in the 24-team League Championship, four points out of a possible promotion playoff place. Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone has been starting in goal for the Tigers, but he is out with an injury that could sideline him for an extended period of time.

What do you think of Guzan's potential loan deal? Like the idea of him getting regular playing time?

Share your thoughts below.

With typical style, Sky Sports wrap up the best of the action of the first half of the 2010/2011 Premier League season.

Several weeks back Arsenal confirmed that Japanese forward Ryo Miyaichi will be joining the Gunners in January 2011.

Much in keeping with many signings during the Wenger era, 18-year-old Miyaichi is a player whom few know anything about. Playing in his native homeland, the Gunners snapped up the youngster after he impressed during a trial earlier in 2010, and there have only been limited occasions in which Arsenal fans have been able to get a glimpse of their latest acquisition.

That has now changed however as Miyaichis has starred during the All Japan High School Tournament.

As a quick aside, the All Japan High School Tournament is an annual, nationwide, high-profile high school association football tournament. The competition is the largest scale amateur tournament in Japan, and is taken very seriously.

Representing Chukyodai Chuyko High School (wearing white), Ryo Miyaichi starred in his teams first match of the games.

After just nine minutes Miyaichi proved the provider for the opening goal of the match. The Chukyodai number nine collected the ball just inside his own half on the left hand side. Showing excellent pace the teenager then soared down the wing, before showing cool composure to lift his head and cross for his teammate to score.

After twenty minutes though, Ryo went one better. Bringing back memories of how Thierry Henry used to play for Arsenal, Miyaichi received the ball tight on the left touchline before coming inside and orchestrating a one-two. With the return pass being top draw, Miyaichi collected the ball in his opponents box and slipped home a fine finish.

Ryo Miyaichis assist and goal for Chukyodai Chuyko High School can be seen here.

Very shortly after the controversial decision (in the English-speaking world, at least) to award Qatar the right to host the 2022 World Cup, FIFA's human face Sepp Blatter announced he would support a winter World Cup. Whether this is likely to happen can be only conjecture at the moment, as the tournament is a solid 11 years away.

Yet Sepp isn't the only one behind the change: so is the players' union. Unlike Mr. Blatter, the players' union listed their reasons for wanting the World Cup in winter quite trenchantly: "It is not sensible to award a World Cup in the summer to a country with an average temperature of 41C in June and July, a midday temperature of 50C and above all, extremely high humidity."

Of course, FIFA knew all of this going into the vote, so what does this very sudden change (or at least, the indication that FIFA is open to the change), less than a month after the voting, mean?

Perhaps FIFA did not expect the reaction it received, and wanted to go for another feel-good World Cup story, another "first World Cup" story to excite an entire region. And, after South Africa showed to the world that going to a rumored backup plan (Germany again, same stadia, reliable hosts and all those other Teutonic stereotypes, etc.) was not necessary, perhaps FIFA thought it would do some more doom-and-gloom dispelling by way of having a World Cup in the Middle East.

If we can read this potential about-face as FIFA admitting to an error in planning, then we can probably confirm that FIFA was a little stunned by the reaction. Why? Mainly because this change of dates is as close as FIFA ever comes to admitting fault. A change of location would be an outright humiliation to both FIFA and Qatar, but this winter World C! up propo sal strikes me as a rare compromise. A way of FIFA saying to the paying football fans, "We recognize that you like to be outside during daylight hours in the summer. Sorry. We know you don't want to worry about getting heatstroke when you're on vacation. We'll try and sort this out with minimal embarrassment to all parties involved."

That's not to say that I love the idea of the winter World Cup. I recognize that it would effectively split the 2021-22 competitions (the domestic leagues and cups, the Champions League, etc.) in half, giving the whole season a very uneven feeling. Additionally, it would lengthen the already long domestic campaign, and would surely return many players back to Europe with some pretty bad injuries. There is plenty to dislike, especially from the perspectives of the top clubs.

But I also recognize the importance of the World Cup. Assuming that Qatar will be the host nation, I cannot see a summer event being superior to a winter one. Personally I would not like to spend an extended period of time in a country where one must be indoors, heavily treated by airconditioning during all hours of the day. I doubt other fans will be more excited about traveling to Qatar in the summer than they would be in the winter. And this is just considering the fans; imagine, as Sepp Blatter has us do, the footballers who are expected to run and entertain for 90+ minutes.

In the winter the temperatures will be more suitable for natural outdoor activity, and the Qatari government will not have to air-condition all the locations in the country that will be used by footballers/tourists from the possible 50 degrees to the Qatari government's proposed 27 degrees.

Ignoring the heat, the proposed stadia look wonderful (in the promotional videos, for some reason they're quite keen to let you know that, as a fan, you can arrive by water taxi). The hosts seem eager to comply with FIFA, who are continuously on the lookout for compliant nations to host the spectacle.

So! what's not to like? In a vacuum, the idea of the winter tournament in Qatar is just better than one in the summer. But we are not in a vacuum, and the European season will be cut in half. No doubt the clubs will fight the date change very strongly for this exact reason. But if the choice is between a botched domestic and European campaign, and a thoroughly air-conditioned World Cup, I prefer to the former simply because the World Cup is the more prestigiouscompetition.

Related posts:

Unbeaten in 10 games now in all competitions and whilst Tottenham remain in fifth position in the Premier League they are being talked up as potential champions of England for the first time since 1961.

Key to their recent form and hopes for 2011 are the form of wingers Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon. In recent matches both have been superb and both Aston Villa and Newcastle have been unable to live with the twin wing threat from Harry Redknapps flying widmen.

Against the Toon Aaron Lennon was the first to be involved testing James Perch who had come in for Jose Enrique. Bale was next to get in on the act with a trademark surging run into the box as the Spurs flyers attempted to make things happen in a goalless first half.

As the Newcastle defence was run a little more ragged, Bale and Lennon came to the fore in the second half. First Lennon scored Tottenhams opener with a fine low drive and both became crucial when the home side went down to 10 men after Younes Kaboul was sent off.

The threat continued from both wings with Peter Crouch was then introduced and the pair nearly combined for a second Spurs goal only for the offside flag to intervene. After Lennon had flashed another effort wide Bale surged down the left, turned his man inside out and fired into Tim Kruls far corner to make it 2-0.

Even late on with the win all but sealed, Bale and Lennon were still a threat to the Newcastle defence. If Bale can replicate his form of 2010 and Lennon can play as he did in the first half of last season, Tottenham really could do something special in 2010/2011.

Video footage of Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon v Newcastle is on this video.

Avid 101ers will remember most of these incredible misses but somehow it never gets tiring to watch these shockers.

Comment & analysis round-up

Quote of the day:I have been lucky the support I have had has been from the players and within the club, he said. I havent had a lot of support from the fans ever since I came here. The fans have not been happy with what they have seen in the whole of 2010 and since I came here we have not won enough games to keep them happy. That is understandable in the sense that they were hoping when I came here the latter part of last season would be forgotten and we would start flying again. That hasnt happened and as a result, as manager, you are the one in the firing line, but of course it doesnt make the job easier because it makes the players more nervous. I can only say as a manager you have to understand that fans care for their club and want it to do well and when it is not doing well they voice their disapproval. That is the way of football today. When you take on any job, especially a big job like this one, and results dont go the way people want especially when you lose games at home you are going to be a target for disapproval. I have to accept that and try to keep doing my job and try to improve things for the club and hoping that the results turn around. It is a vicious circle and in order to break it we have to start playing well and winning matches because if we dont they are going to reserve their support until such time as we can do it. Roy Hodgson.

Runner-up:I wouldnt swap our squad with anybody in the Premier League, thats my personal view. Its for Manchester United and Sir Alex to lose it but they have been around the block, they know how to go on and win it. However, I wouldnt swap any of our lads for anybody in the top four or five teams or anyone in the league. Weve been looking at the top four as a priority and to take it from there and its obvious that its Manchester Uniteds t! o lose n ow. Its in their hands and its for them to lose. Theyve been there, the same as Chelsea have in recent years. Were going quite well. It was always a top-four place at the start of the season, so were doing OK on that and no one is getting carried away. I believe weve got the manager and the players that will go the distance. When I was at United as a coach they came second to Leeds then won it the following year. As soon as we get a trophy, it will be intoxicating. When you win things its unbelievable what it does for your squad. Brian Kidd.

Ryan Babel is the latest to criticise the Liverpool fans: However bad we were, Paul [Konchesky] didnt deserve to be treated like that.

Todays overview:Roy Hodgsons woes at Liverpool continue to dominate the back pages. Whilst a number of papers claim Woy is on the rocks (The Sun), the Daily Mail say Liverpool must beat Bolton on Saturday whilst David Anderson in the Mirror claims Hodgson has two weeks to save his job.

Paul Hayward mounts a defence for Hodgson in that Liverpools mediocrity set in a long time ahead of Hodgsons arrival whilst Harry Redknapp also calls for the former Fulham boss to be given more time at Anfield. On potential successors, Ian Ladyman argues that neither Rafa Benitez or Kenny Dalglish should be appointed.

Chelseas transfer moves, a refusal on Rafael van der Vaart in the summer and a recent bid rejected for David Luiz, is also reported. And there are a fair few reviews of 2010. Steven Howard pinpoints Wayne Rooney as a villain of the past year and Sam Wallace revels in Gareth Bales last 12 months.

There is also plenty of transfer gossip. Including David Beckhams imminent return to the Premier League, that Jose Mourinho wants Cesc Fabregas at Real Madrid and West Ham are after Michael Owen. Finally, all the papers report that Howard Webb has been awarded an MBE.

Roys on the rocks: Phil Thomas writes Roy Hodgson is on the brink at Liverpool as even the clubs American owners are losing patience. The under-fire Kop boss hit back at fans who turned on him during the Anfield humiliation by Wolves. And John W Henry feels Hodgson dropped a major clanger by having a go at supporters. And after Wednesdays pitiful display, sources close to Henrys New England Sports Ventures group also admit the Americans fear players are not performing for Hodgson.

Tim Rich adds Liverpools American owners are running out of patience with Roy Hodgson amid fears that the managers relationship with the clubs supporters has broken down irretrievably. Despite the fact that in one poll 95% of Liverpool fans wanted Hodgson to be sacked immediately after last nights 1-0 home defeat by Wolverhampton Wanderers, there appears to be no great appetite for regime change. John W Henry and Tom Werner of New England Sports Ventures are prepared to give Hodgson more time after six torturous months.

Dominc King outlines the stark reality for Woy. Liverpool owners have reached breaking point with under-fire manager Roy Hodgson. Only a victory against Bolton at Anfield on Saturday is likely to save him following the shambolic defeat by Wolves which led to fans calling for him to be sacked. With Hodgson seemingly on the brink after just six months, the club have even been forced to deny claims he has already left. If the patience of owners Fenway Sports Group runs out, Kop hero Kenny Dalglish is a ready-made candidate for a caretaker role with a view to assuming a senior boardroom position once a permanent replacement has been found.

In contrast David Anderson says Hodgson has two weeks. Roy Hodgson has two weeks to save himself at Liverpool as the American owners begin to lose faith in him. It is understood John W Henry and parent company NESV feel Hodgson blundered in attacking the fans for booing him during the shock home defeat to Wol! ves. The y are also said to be dismayed by the teams limp showing and fear Hodgson may have lost the players. NESV are refusing to panic and have not called a board meeting to discuss Hodgsons future before tomorrows clash with Bolton at Anfield.

Rory Smith also joins the chorus. Though John W Henry and Tom Werner, the American groups principal backers, have shown nothing but support in public for their beleaguered manager, in private they are believed to harbour concerns that the furore marks the end of any hope he had of winning over the fans, who offered ironic chants of Hodgson for England. FSG had hoped to allow Hodgson to continue until the summer when his position would be reviewed but concerns are growing that, should results continue to prompt almost unprecedented insurrection in Anfields stands, they may need to act much more quickly.

James Lawton fears for Hodgson. What does Hodgson do now, assuming he retains the capacity to shape his own destiny? Reality suggests he cuts his losses. He certainly shouldnt negotiate away any more of his dignity by futile rallying calls directed at anywhere other than a dressing room which seems never to have been in more desperate need of healing. He is a good football man, unquestionably, but he is in the wrong place at the wrong time and without, it seems increasingly obvious, any striking ability to do much about it. Fans are fans, no more, no less, and he should have realised that when he made his desperate appeal. Fans only help managers in 99 per cent of cases, anyway who prove that they can help themselves.

Paul Hayward takes a historical view of the problems at Liverpool. Liverpool have recruited dozens of duds over the last 10 seasons while Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have signed very few. The Kop, the teams best players and Hodgson himself are toiling against this debilitating imbalance, which has become manageable only in bursts: first when Rafael Bentezs team won the 2005 Champions League and then when Gerrard, Carragher, Pe! pe Reina , Xabi Alonso, Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano gelled to propel the 2008-09 side to second place in the Premier League with 86 points. Any professional footballer will tell you a trophy-winning team needs a decisive ratio of gifted players and committed winners. Bentezs best side possessed that magical half-dozen. But when Alonso and Mascherano left, Torres lost interest and Gerrard and Carragher were hampered increasingly by injuries, the mediocrity all around them again became Liverpools defining characteristic.

Harry Redknapp is one of the few pundits to defend Hodgson. Roy knows as well as anyone what needs to be done at Liverpool and, dont forget, he got the job in the first place on the back of a hugely disappointing season at Anfield. He hasnt been able to bring in the right man to partner Fernando Torres but, give him time, he will. I saw Liverpool thrash Aston Villa not long ago and they looked very strong but any side missing Steven Gerrard for six weeks with injury and seeing Torres struggle for form would find it tough. I know this is a club used to challenging for titles but fans must accept they are in transition and that Roy will get it right if they get off his case.

On potential successors at Anfield, Ian Ladyman argues Liverpool should notturn to Rafa Benitez or Kenny Dalglish. Between them the two men have won seven major trophies as managers of Liverpool. Dalglish would certainly take the job again while Benitez back on Merseyside after a disastrous spell at Inter Milan would inevitably be interested. Neither, though, should be allowed anywhere near it. Dalglish, at 59, is by no means an old man. His old rival at Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, has a decade on him. But it is 15 years since he managed successfully winning the Premier League at Blackburn and almost 20 years since stress forced him out of Anfield after a 4-4 FA Cup draw with Everton in February 1991. Quite simply, Dalglish has been away from the sharp end of football too long. The game has ch! anged in many ways since he won Liverpools 18th and most recent title. Many young players, particularly the foreign ones, would not be inspired by the mere mention of his name or his presence in a room. Some as dreadful as it sounds would not even know who he was.

Chelsea: Rob Beasley reveals in The Sun: Chelsea turned down the chance to sign Dutch star Rafael van der Vaart in the summer.
The Blues reckoned the brilliant midfielder now with Spurs was not good enough. So they rejected a 10million deal and instead spent 24m on Yossi Benayoun and Ramires. A Chelsea insider revealed: We had a call to say Jose Mourinho was ready to let Van der Vaart leave Real Madrid for around 10m and did we want him. But it was decided he wasnt good enough so we passed on him. Thats not looking the best of decisions is it?

Also on the Blues, in The Sun we learn Chelseas 17.5million bid for Benfica defender David Luiz has been rejected. The Portuguese giants say they will not listen to offers below 26m for the versatile Brazilian central defender, 23, who also plays at left-back.

Aston Villa in freefall: In his five things we learned from the Premier League this week, Jacob Steinberg writes: The last few months have been dreadful for Liverpool managers past and present: Hodgson is under pressure at Anfield, Bentez has been sacked by Internazionale and now Grard Houllier is leading Villa in only one direction. Houlliers management so far has been atrocious. Since his appointment, Villa have won just three games and have been knocked out of the Carling Cup by their neighbours Birmingham City. Along with West Bromwich Albion, they have conceded the most goals in the league (34) and have the worst goal-difference (-14), which makes a mockery of Houlliers decision to freeze out Richard Dunne. He has also fallen out with John Carew, Stephen Warnock and Stephen Ireland admitted! ly not t he most difficult of tasks and the signing of Robert Pires has not worked out. Their best player, Ashley Young, wants to leave. Villa are in seemingly terminal decline. They would not have expected to be in a relegation battle at the start of the season and this is something Houllier has never experienced before. They are not too good to go down maybe they were not that good in the first place.

Reviewing 2010: Steven Howard looks at the sporting heroes of 2010 and the sporting villains of the last year. In the latter list, Wayne Rooney leads: They always remember the Treble year at Old Trafford. Well, Rooney achieved a treble of his own in 2010. He disgraced himself, his club and his country. With his own game joining his private life in the gutter, he infamously slagged off England fans after the grotesque goalless World Cup draw with Algeria in Cape Town. Then he had the brass neck to demand a transfer from Manchester United. Even worse, United rewarded him with a new, increased, five-year contract just two days later. There is no greater example of the depths to which football in this country has plunged and the manner in which celebrity players can do what they want.

Sam Wallace highlights the moments of 2010. My moment of the year, for sheer, rip-roaring, up-and-at-them excitement is Bales performance for Tottenham Hotspur against Internazionale in the home game at White Hart Lane on 2 November. I could have picked the second half of the game at San Siro when, after all, he scored a hat-trick in a 4-3 defeat were it not for the fact that there was something mesmerising about his performance in north London. Every great performance requires talent, self-belief and determination of which Bale had all. Great performances are also measured by the stature of the opponent who is overcome and in the Inter full-back Maicon there was no greater test for Bale. But this was not a full-back v winger duel in the tradition of Ashley Coles against Cristiano Ronaldo at Euro 2004 or ! the Worl d Cup two years later. In that case both gave as good as they got. In Maicons case the Brazilian, who had been voted in Uefas Champions League team of the previous season, was taken apart piece-by-piece by Bale. And the more Bale picked the ball up and ran at him the worse it got for Maicon and the more compelling it became for those of us in the stadium.

David Beckham could be a Premier League player next week:Simon Cass reports in the Daily Mail: David Beckham could sign for a Barclays Premier League side as early as next week with the iconic midfielder eager to fast-track his return to top-level action. Beckham is in search of two months of high-intensity football before returning to LA Galaxy to see out the final year of his contract with the MLS side. To that end, he is ready to go back on his assertion that he would only ever play for Manchester United on these shores despite reiterating that stance just 10 days ago.

Robbie Savage hopes David Beckham joins Spurs. I would be most excited to see him at Tottenham, in a central midfield role like the one he used to play in when we were kids in Manchester Uniteds youth team. I cant think of anyone else who could play the sort of clever long passes that Luka Modric specialises in, letting in Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon. He could be a great like-for-like sub for the brilliant Croatian.

Transfer gossip: The big names are starting to be mentioned in The Sun. Geoff Sweet copies and pastes from yesterdays Marca: Jose Mourinho is to make a direct appeal to Cesc Fabregas to join him at Real Madrid in the summer.

With the transfer window opening tomorrow, there are a host of stories in The Sun including Liverpool after Eljero Elia, West Ham are eyeing a loan bid for Robbie Keane, Stewart Downing is a target for Sunderland, RoqueSanta Cruz has snubbed a loan move to Lazio! and Chi evo are after Carlos Vela. The stories continue: Roma are after Valon Behrami, Everton are after Juraj Kucka, Stoke will offload Eidur Gudjhonsen and QPR have signed Petter Vaagan Moen.

The Daily Mail run with Manchester City turning down a loan bid for Wayne Bridge, Aston Villa and Fulham leading the chase for Chris Samba, Freddie Ljungberg has secured a short term switch to Celtic and Birmingham want Spurs pair Robbie Keane and David Bentley.

The big transfer story in the Daily Mirror is that West Ham want Michael Owen whilst they also link Liverpool with a move for Ashley Young.

Howard Webb MBE: All the papers report: Soccer referee Howard Webb who dished out 14 yellow cards in the World Cup Final becomes an MBE in the New Year Honours. Webb, 39, became the first Englishman to officiate at a World Cup final since 1974. He was praised for his handling of a volatile final in South Africa between Holland, who also had a player sent off for two yellow cards, and eventual winners Spain.

Photo by ISIPhotos.com

By JOHN BOSCHINI

The Los Angeles Galaxy went into the off-season looking for defensive depth and took a good step toward that on Thursday by signing veteran fullback Frankie Hejduk.

Acquired in the Re-Entry Draft from Columbus, Hejduk should give the Galaxy the defensive leader the club has needed to help mold a strong, but young stable of defenders.

The Galaxy has yet to announce a deal with Colombian striker Juan Pablo Angel, who the club also acquired the MLS rights to in the Re-Entry Draft.

Here are some other stories to close out your Thursday:

Puyol injured in Catalonia friendly

Barcelona is set to lose captain Carles Puyol for up to 10 days after the defender was injured while representing Catalonia on Tuesday.

Puyol, 32, picked up a groin injury during the regional side's 4-0 defeat of Honduras. He is set to miss two La Liga matchups against Levante and Deportivo la Coruna, who sit 16th and 13th in the Spanish table respectively. Puyol will also miss Barcelona's Copa del Rey's replay with Athletic Bilbao after the two sides battled to a scoreless draw earlier this month.

Catalonia, who is not sanctioned by FIFA and is not eligible for any World Cups or European Championships, had not played since a 4-2 defeat of Argentina in December of 2009.

Man sentenced in Togo bus attack

An Angolan man convicted in connection with the deadly attack on the Togo national team in January has been sentenced to 24 years in prison.

Joao Antonio Puati was convicted of "armed rebellion" after the bus carrying the Togo team to the African Cup of Nations was fired upon in the Angolan province of Cabinda. Two! Togoles e officials were killed during the attack while Togo goalkeeper Kodjovi Obilale was severely wounded. The Front for the Liberation of the State of Cabinda claimed responsibility for the attack.

Benfica reject Chelsea bid for defender Luiz

Chelsea's hope to inject some youth into its squad during the January transfer window took a hit today when Benfica rejected a bid for 23-year-old defender David Luiz. The Portuguese club rejected a 17 million Euro offer from the reigning Premier League champions and said that it would not sell Luiz for less than 43 million Euros. Chelsea is without Brazilian defender Alex and aging captain John Terry is still struggling with a nerve problem.

China, Australia, South Korea announce Asian Cup squads

Some of the top Asian players are set to miss up to five weeks of action when the 2011 Asian Cup kicks off January 7th in Qatar. Australia, who is running unopposed to host the 2015 Cup, called in Everton star Tim Cahill and Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer. China is sending its youngest-ever squad with a median age of 24. South Korea will be led by Manchester United's Park Ji-Sung, who could retire from international duty after the tournament.

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What do you think of tonight's stories? Will Barcelona slip up without Puyol? Was the sentence in Togo fair? Can Chelsea find another defender?

Share your thoughts below.

Closing out a great 2010 of in U.S. Soccer, myself and Christopher Riordan close out a year's worth of podcasts with this Oscar-inspired awards show. One hour, 62 nominees and 20 awards honor out favorites films (teams), directors (coaches), actors (players) as well as moments from the last calendar year. We gave you a sneak peak at the nominees earlier this week. Now it's time for the reveals. Join us for to close out 2010 in the U.S. soccer world with this, a very special edition of the Major League Soccer Talk podcast.

Related posts:

The rebuilding of the Columbus Crew roster took another step forward on Thursday with the club formally announcing the signing of Chilean defender Sebastian Miranda.

Miranda, 30, has played his entire professional career in Chile save for a stint in Austria with Red Bull Salzburg in 2005-2006. He most recently played for Union Espanola in Chile's top flight.

The 5-foot-8 Miranda is expected to challenge for the starting right back position, which was vacated when the club opted not to re-sign Frankie Hejduk.

Here are a few more items involving Major League Soccer teams:

Paul Mariner has left his post as coach at Plymouth Argyle, giving further credence to the report linking him to Toronto FC's open head coach position.

Mariner, a long-time assistant to Steve Nicol with the New England Revolution, joined Plymouth Argyle's staff 14 months ago, but the club was relegated to League One in May and is in financial straits. Mariner was considered one of MLS' top assistants and potential head coaching candidates when he was with the Revolution.

SMITH: CUMMINGS WILL BE WITH CLUB FOR OPENER

Omar Cummings may or may not be headed to Aston Villa on a short-term loan, but regardless, he will be with the Colorado Rapids for the team's season opener against Portland in March, according to head coach Gary Smith.

Smith told MLSSoccer.com that "My involvement will be if he's on trial and it turns into something more substantial. Then, he must be back for that first game."

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Do you like the signing for the Crew? Think Mariner would be a good coaching selection for Toronto? Happy to hear that Cummings will be with the Rapids for the season opener regardless of a potential loan?

Share your thoughts below.

Freddie Ljungberg's stay in Major League Soccer is officially over.

After two up-and-down seasons in the United States, Ljungberg is headed back to the United Kingdom after signing with Scottish Premier League leaders Celtic FC. Terms of the deal were not announced, and Ljungberg is expected to be introduced at a press conference on Friday.

Ljungberg had been on trial with Celtic this week before coming to an agreement with the club on Thursday.

In his two seasons as a Designated Player in MLS, Ljungberg accumulated four goals and 20 assists with the Seattle Sounders and Chicago Fire.

How would you rate Ljungberg's time in MLS? Do you think he's a good fit for Celtic?

Share your thoughts below.

Arsenal wasted a chance to join Manchester United and Manchester City atop the Premier League standings by drawing Wigan Athletic on Wednesday, but Andrei Arshavin most definitely did not waste this chance in pulling the Gunners level in the first half. Enjoy:

By FRANCO PANIZO

The year is nearing its end, and while most United States national teams are eagerly awaiting to see what the future holds, SBI is looking back at the memorable year that was for the Americans.

From a pair of drama-filled, late goals in the World Cup to a couple of finishes off of assists from players making their U.S. national team debuts, 2010 had plenty of goals worth watching again.

With 19 total goals scored during the year, there were some nice finishes, including Edson Buddle's first against Australia, which barely missed the cut.With that said, here are SBI's Top Five USMNT Goals of 2010:

5. Jozy Altidore vs. Poland 10/9

The finish was easy. The pass was sublime. Jozy Altidore scored his second goal of 2010 for the U.S. national team and the opener in a 2-2 draw with Polandwhen he made a nice run behind the defense and got on the end of a perfect pass from Jermaine Jones. Facing questions about whether or not he'd fit in with his new teammates, Jones delivered the sweet assist in his U.S. national team debut.

4. Juan Agudelo vs. South Africa 11/17

In a game that looked to end in a scoreless draw, then-17-year-old Juan Agudelo scored a late winner for the United States in his international debut. Having come off the bench in the second half, Agudelo received a cheeky pass from fellow debutant Mikkel Diskerud before smashing home a finish from close range in the 85th minute. The goal made Agudelo the youngest American to score for the senior national team in the modern era and gave the United States its second Nelson Mandela Challenge victory (both 1-0 wins).

3. Landon Donovan vs. Slovenia 6/18

Having suffered as bad a first half as one could have imagined, the United States&#! 39; memo rable comeback to tie Slovenia in the World Cup was sparked by Landon Donovan, who scored in emphatic fashion almost immediately after halftime. Steve Cherundolo played a ball down the right flank, and after some questionable defending, Donovan was able to find space, dribble into the penalty area and rifle home a shot into the roof of the goal. Slovenian goalkeeper Samir Handanovic was essentially just another spectator at Ellis Park on Donovan's crucial Group C goal.

2. Michael Bradley vs. Slovenia 6/18

With time winding down and with World Cup hopes fading, the United States managed to pull off its comeback against Slovenia when Donovan hit a long ball towards Altidore, who then headed it down into the path of Michael Bradley. With Herculez Gomez pulling a defender away, Bradley had a clear path to the ball and was able to capitalize on his late run by getting under the ball and flicking it over Handanovic to pull the Americans even at 2-2.

1. Landon Donovan vs. Algeria 6/23

If the late-game heroics against Slovenia weren't enough, the United States sent American fans everywhere into a frenzy when Donovan broke a scoreless draw in the 91st minute of the team's Group C finale against Algeria.Having missed chance after chance, the Americans saw their near elimination turn into a group-leading finish when Tim Howard heaved the ball to Donovan, who then dribbled upfield before passing to Altidore. Altidore passed the ball across the penalty area, but Clint Dempsey's shot was denied, only for the ball to lay in front of goal with Donovan there to knock it in. The goal may not have been a difficult one, but the moment in which it came combined with the fact that it came on the sport's grandest stage with so much on the line (not to mention Ian Darke's exquisite delivery in the broadcast booth) makes this the top U.S. men's national team goal of 2010.

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What did you think of SBI's top f! ive goal s? Agree with the order? Is there another goal that you think should have made the cut?

Share your thoughts below.

Photo courtesy of Jeff Camarati/UNC Athletic Communications

By JOHN BOSCHINI

Life has gotten pretty surreal for former North Carolina defender Jalil Anibaba. Signing an agent, inking a contract with the Major League Soccer and a receiving an invitation to the MLS Combine are all indications that his dream of a professional career is finally transitioning into a reality.

"Now I'm talking to family members and I'm like, 'I have to call my agent' or 'My agent said this,'" Anibaba said. "It's really weird to say considering just a little while ago I was in college, but it's reassuring to know I'm close to being a professional."

Anibaba spent three years at Santa Clara University, a mere 15 miles away from his hometown of Davis, Calif., but the 6-foot central defender transfered for his senior season to play at North Carolina under the direction of Elmar Bolowich.

"We didn't have any issues with Jalil when he came in," Bolowich said. "He was a quick study, he played with a chip on his shoulder and I give him a lot of credit for his play this season."

North Carolina reached its third-consecutive College Cup on the back of three-straight penalty kick shootouts, with Anibaba slotting home the final spot kick in the quarterfinals against Southern Methodist. But his college career came to an inauspicious end when Louisville's Aaron Horton scored in the final minute to end North Carolina's title dreams.

"It's heartbreaking to l! ose in g eneral, and to lose so late in the game was tough," Anibaba said. "But after that feeling faded I was just happy to play in front of my family and to be on the team I was on."

With college in the rear-view mirror, the next step for Anibaba is the MLS Combine in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., where he will join now-former teammates Michael Farfan and Stephen McCarthy. Barring a disastrous few days down south, Anibaba is projected to be a first-round pick in the MLS draft (he's currently 16th on SBI's Big Board, second-highest among central defenders).

Anibaba is too cautious to make predictions or show a preference as to who selects him in mid-January.

"It's a draft, and that means I could end up anywhere and as a professional I can't be concerned as to where I end up," Anibaba said. "It's just an honor and a dream come true to be embarking on my pro career."

Bolowich said that Anibaba is as good as any to come out of a North Carolina program that has produced the likes of Eric Lichaj and Eddie Pope.

"If I were an MLS coach I'd pick him right away," Bolowich said. "He's very consistent, and he's very strong and he can only get better in the right environment. He hasn't reached the pinnacle of his talent yet."

Despite the constant pressure and heart-wrenching disappointment that can sometimes be synonymous with soccer at a high level, Anibaba never seems to stop smiling. It's a cheery demeanor and love of the game that was instilled into Anibaba from when he was very young, playing soccer with his father and his three brothers in Davis.

"My family and my parents told me to never stop smiling," he said.

For right now, anyway, there doesn't seem to be any reason not to.

By AVI CREDITOR

Villarreal striker Nilmar is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after returning to Brazil to have surgery to fix a cartilage problem in his right knee.

It is unclear exactly how much time Nilmar, who has led all Villarreal scorers in La Liga play with 10 goals, will have to miss.

His injury opens up a starting slot aside Giuseppe Rossi and should at the very least allot more minutes up top for Jozy Altidore. The Yellow Submarine, currently third in La Liga, will have to try to hold on to that spot without the injured Nilmar and Marcos Senna (hamstring) for the foreseeable future.

Here are a few more stories from around the soccer world:

American midfielder Michael Bradley is set to have two new teammates after Borussia Monchengladbach signed 20-year-old defender Havard Nordtveit from Arsenal and 30-year-old defender Martin Stranzl from Spartak Moscow.

The players fill a glaring need for the German side, which is toiling in the cellar of the Bundesliga and has allowed the most goals in the league. Monchengladbach has conceded 47 times in 17 games. The teams that come closest to reaching that futility are Werder Bremen and Stuttgart, who have each conceded 35 goals in the same amount of time.

AC MILAN SETS RONALDINHO PRICE

Adriano Galliani, vice president of AC Milan, has set Ronaldinho's price tag at 8 million (approximately $10.5 million) for teams that are inquiring about his services ahead of January's transfer window. Ronaldinho still has six months remaining on his contract with AC Milan, and teams could sign him on a free transfer in the summer.

PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS

Chelsea found its way back into the win column after Florent Malouda's second-half goal gave the Blues a 1-0 victor! y over S tuart Holden's Bolton.

The temperature keeps rising on Roy Hodgson's hot seat at Liverpool after the Reds were shocked at Anfield by Wolves, 1-0.

Sebastien Squillaci played the role of villain for Arsenal after his late own goal let 10-man Wigan Athletic steal a point in a 2-2 draw at DW Stadium.

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Think Altidore will get more minutes in league play with Nilmar's injury? Do you see Monchengladbach tightening up its defense with its new signings and climbing out of the drop zone? Still thinking that Ronaldinho ends up in Los Angeles? How much longer do you see Hodgson keeping his job at Anfield?

Share your thoughts below.

Added December 30th, 2010 by Ian SOCCER Like Liverpool, English Premier League club Manchester City has found its hard to get rid of unwanted players because nobody is willing to pay their inflated wages. And because of the 25-man roster rule that states eight players need to be homegrown, things are even tighter. It actually looks good on the teams and the players as their greed has seen their careers come to a standstill in some situations. Paying millions of pounds for players to sit on the bench is ridiculous and its what many of them deserve.City manager Roberto Mancini wants to spend even more money during the January transfer window, but unless the roster can be cleared and some of the deadwood moved theres not really any point in buying more players. This means that a rumoured move to buy striker Edin Dzeko from German club Wolfsburg for about 40 million euros may have to be put on hold.Its a ridiculous move anyway as City already have half a dozen world-class strikers who sit on the bench or dont even dress for games as it is. Theyre trying to rectify this though, by selling off about seven unwanted players to make room for new signings. Its believed City are trying to sell off some big name players such as strikers Emmanuel Adebayor, Jo, and Roque Santa Cruz, winger Shaun Wright-Phillips, goaltender Shay Given, and defenders Joleon Lescott and Wayne Bridge. In addition, Given, Wright-Phillips, Lescott, and Bridge are all considered to be homegrown players.But while these players are all considered to be some of the best in the Premier League and most of them are also internationals they just waste away each week as they cant get a game. Each one of them would probably be a starter on about three quarters of the leagues teams. So in reality, the fans are actually getting cheated by having ! league s tars sitting on the wayside while lesser-skilled players take to the field. The problem has been created by the players wage demands and the clubs willingness to pay them.City wants to unload their extra players and isnt interested in loaning them out while paying a portion of their wages. Its a mess theyve gotten themselves into as none of the other teams want to pay the high wages. In the past, City agreed to help pay the salaries of Craig Bellamy and Robinho when they were both shipped out, but arent willing to do so anymore. But if they really want to buy new players theyre going to have to reconsider this stance. This is what happens to teams that have more money than sense.
English & European Football Clubs & Leagues News | Video | Commentary

As we close the books on 2010 and go through our retrospectives (including MLS Talk's own awards) I wanted to take a different look back on the year that was through a different lens: what if what happened didn't happen, or vice versa. Over the weekend I intend to take four 2010 events from American soccer and debate what would have happened if they would have turned out differently. And the first one is a big one.

For those who don't know, ESPN Classic has been showing World Cup games over the past few days as part of their best of 2010 series. I had the pleasure of re-watching the Netherlands-Uruguay match last night, a game that saw incredible goals by Giovanni von Brockhorst and Diego Forlan in the first half, as well as the Orange advancing to the finals. But to get to that point, Uruguay had to beat Ghana, who the previous round had beaten the U.S. in an overtime game that would only be surpassed by their next. Would we have seen this Netherlands-Uruguay match-up had the U.S. beaten Ghana?

As a recap, Asamoah Gyan put Ghana ahead in the 93rd minute to beat the United States in a game that, for most of the contest, could have gone either way. The two big U.S. failings in the World Cup (giving up the first goal and no scoring from the forwards) reared their ugly heads again in this one - Kevin-Prince Boateng netted the first goal in the fifth minute and the U.S. didn't have a shot on target in the last fifty minutes of the match. That's not to say the U.S. didn't have chances - Jozy Altidore (81st) had a great chance to put the Red-White-and-Blue ahead for good in the match, but continued his bad habit in the World Cup of pushing his shots wide.

But what if Altidore had converted late in the match? Or if Maurice Edu would have ! connecte d on his header in the 98th minute, and the U.S. won the shootout?

While it may not have acquired the fame of the Donovan goal from the Algeria match, again all of the news broadcasts would have led with an American victory celebration in the World Cup. If Altidore was the goal-scorer, it would have been the first goal by an American forward but, more importantly, might have given Altidore confidence that he could score in the World Cup going forward, and confidence is a powerful thing. If it would have been Edu, we would be remembering Bob Bradley's 31st minute substitution of Ricardo Clark for Edu as tactical brilliance, not another example of Bob Bradley's roster mismanagement. And Africa, the host continent, sadly would be eliminated from the World Cup a round earlier.

The United State's next opponent would of course have been Uruguay and the U.S. would have rightfully been the underdogs. But would beating Uruguay been outside the realm of possibility? Consider Uruguay to that point. They had conceded only one goal in their first four matches and were known for their defense, but their best win was against South Korea. Their group turned out to be surprisingly easy, with Mexico their only real competition. Their scoring ability was another matter - the U.S. would have had a hard time slowing down Suarez, Forlan, and Cavani. But Forlan, who emerged as one of the stars of the World Cup, had seen his stock rising; he was not yet the unstoppable force. And don't discount Bob Bradley - after four matches he finally would have had the lineup correct and would not be making the Ricardo Clark/Robbie Findley mistakes again. Jozy Altidore would have the confidence of a goal scorer, and the U.S. could have scored against the tough Uruguay defense.

So let's take this a step further - what if the U.S. had beaten Uruguay? In a sense, it may have been a better win than the Confederations Cup Spain victory, seeing as Uruguay would have been a huge match-up problem for the U.S. But the ! U.S. wou ld have advanced to the World Cup semifinals and added to the team's mystique, gotten way more mainstream media attention, and helped soccer grow a little more in this country. Maybe players like Altidore or Clint Dempsey would have joined Michael Bradley and Landon Donovan as the major U.S. stars in the 2010 Cup, and would have been sought after by the big-name clubs like Gyan and Boateng were.

Now let's assume the favorites naturally advanced from this match. This would have changed the World Cup in two big ways. First, FIFA would have been deprived of the match of the tournament, as Ghana-Uruguay was settled in penalty kicks only after some incredible play by both sides and, of course, the Hand of Suarez play. Speaking of Suarez, assuming he didn't palm any American shots, he would have been eligible to face the Netherlands the next weekend. Would having Suarez on the pitch be enough to help Uruguay beat the Netherlands? While the Orange may have had a better starting eleven, Uruguay were playing well and adding one of their most dangerous scorers could have been enough to send the South American country to the finals.

What do you think would have happened had the U.S. beaten Ghana?

Related posts:

You can understand the Gunners anger.

At the end of November Tottenham caused a major upset coming from 2-nil down at arch enemies Arsenal to win 3-2. The equaliser on that occasion was a penalty converted by Rafael van der Vaart which had been awarded after Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas had been punished for raising an arm in the wall when defending a Spurs free-kick. Having stopped the ball illegally the referee pointed to the spot. The Dutchman scored, and the rest is now history.

Fast forward to Wednesday night just passed and Arsenal found themselves wondering why they did not benefit from an almost identical situation at the DW Stadium.

After a thrilling all-action match against the Latics, 10-man Wigan rallied to 2-2 draw with the high-flying north Londoners. But moments before the final whistle, the Gunners had an opportunity to strike on goal as Samir Nasri lined up a free-kick.

Much like what happened during the Tottenham incident, Arsenals effort on target never got passed the wall as Tom Cleverley raised an arm. The ball struck the offending limb, deflected out of play, but incredibly no spot kick was awarded.

The apparent double standard was attacked by Cesc Fabregas on Twitter.

Cesc: Whats the diference between this handball & my 1 vs spurs? Referees dont want us to complain abt them but they make life dificult 4 themselfIm not complaining at all, im just saying why on the same thing some refs say its a pen and some not. Is it a rule or just what they feel?

So, can anyone justify why Arsenal werent awarded a penalty?

The Arsenal penalty conceded against Tottenham can be seen here while the non-Arsenal penalty at Wigan can be seen here.

Comment & analysis round-up

Quote of the day:Ever since I came here the famous Anfield support hasnt really been there. I have to hope the fans will become supporters because we need support we are not deliberately losing It was a sad way to end 2010 and a sad way to play the first game for a few weeks in front of our own supporters. We let them down and they showed us what they thought of it and I would probably have done the same. Maybe we are lacking quality and lacking confidence, and the negativity doesnt help. The players are not getting on the ball for fear of making mistakes. Roy Hodgson.

Runner-up:Whats the difference between this handball and my one versus Spurs? Referees dont want us to complain about them but they make life difficult for themselves Is it a rule or just what they feel? Cesc Fabregas on a penalty not given v Wigan.

Carlo Ancelotti on Chelsea 1 Bolton 0:Im not sure that everything now will be OK. We have to perform again. We are not at the best in terms of condition performance and atmosphere. We can improve, we have to improve and I hope we will in 2011. The most important thing was to change the atmosphere and come back to winning.

Rio Ferdinand on the titlerace:We need to shut games out like that and we didnt manage to. We should have got the three points at Birmingham but well be looking to the next one instead now. The title race is open for four or five teams to go and take it. But we want to be that team. Its a bouncy bobbly pitch at Birmingham and they get right into you, as youd expect. But thats what makes the Premier League such a great league. It throws up all different situations and youve got to be able to deal with them.

Todays overview: As reaction pours in from last nights Premier League action an! d a fren zied few days of Christmas fixtures, Roy Hodgsons head is firmly on the chopping block after defeat to Wolves.

All the papers pick up on Hodgsons comments about the Liverpool fans post match and there is much reference to the Kops chants of Hodgson for England, and their chants for Kenny Dalglish.

Chelseas win over Bolton is also analysed (Paul Hayward was unimpressed) as is Arsenals draw with Wigan (Mark Ogden wonders why Arsene Wenger made so many changes).

Elsewhere, Manchester City are closing in on Edin Dzeko, David Beckham is linked with a move to Spurs again and West Ham chairman David Gold is negotiating 15 signings in an amazing game of transfer bluff.

Woy is on shaky ground at Liverpool: Jason Burt compares the pressure which seemingly left Carlo Ancelotti and swept over Roy Hodgson. As Chelsea gained a nervy, desperately-needed victory that lifted them back into the Premier League top four, Liverpool slumped to a home defeat at the hands of relegation-threatened Wolves. Hodgson, who had been forced to listen to chants for Kenny Dalglish during the game, then risked further antagonising the Kop by issuing a thinly-veiled criticism of the backing he has received from supporters since arriving at the club last summer.

Tim Rich sums up the mood at Anfield: When discussing the emotions of managing a club bottom of the Premier League, Mick McCarthy replied that he disliked the sympathy that came with it, a combination he described as shit and caramel. Since coming to Merseyside, Roy Hodgson has endured plenty of the former and been offered precious little of the latter. There was little sweetness in the air around Anfield last night. The chants of Hodgson for England rang out from the Kop, mingling in with the more ominous and menacingly rhythmic sound of Dalglish. This was the final Premier League game of 2! 010, for which, let it be remembered, that Hodgson was voted manager of the year. Long before its end, he was cutting a desperately isolated figure on the touchline. Two of his three substitutions appeared to inflame Anfield: Ryan Babel was jeered on while Paul Konchesky was almost laughed off.

Dominic King writes along similar lines: Pressure was mounting on boss Roy Hodgson as Liverpool slumped to a 1-0 home defeat against Wolves. Ironic chants of Hodgson for England and calls for Kop legend Kenny Dalglish to take over filled Anfield after Stephen Wards goal gave Wolves their first win at Anfield since January 1984. Victory lifted Mick McCarthys men above West Ham at the bottom of the table and left the Reds just three points above the relegation zone.

Ian Herbert also fears for Woy. Hodgsons grip on his job looked more precarious than ever after defeat to bottom club Wolves, and as Liverpool enter the New Year on their lowest points total since their relegation season of 1953/54, the decision for Liverpools new owners now appears to be whether they are ready to write off the season by persisting with him. Liverpool are three points off the relegation places this morning, but Hodgson insisted that the belief I can turn it around comes from belief in my own ability. I have seen times like this before. He was subjected to ironic chants of Hodgson for England after substituting David Ngog for Ryan Babel but said that was typical of Anfields persistently negative response to him since his appointment, six months on Sunday.

Are Chelsea back?: Paul Hayward was not convinced by the 1-0 win over Bolton. History says great teams tend not to die in a two-month spiral. Decline is more gradual. Of all their recent fixtures, though, this was Chelseas T-junction game. Their credibility as defending champions was in jeopardy. They w! ere on t he Liverpool highway to the Europa League. Spurs and Manchester City would be the eager beneficiaries of imperial decline. The autopsies would say Chelsea had stopped investing and placed all their hopes in a small core of ageing players supported by homegrown prospects who were still too busy being boys to perform the work of men. These elegies are postponed perhaps cancelled. Bad teams look over the edge and fall. Good ones peek and then pull back. Instinct and desperation tend to save them.

David Hytner also failed to be convinced by the Blues. The nightmare is by no means over for Carlo Ancelotti but at least the cold sweats might not have gripped him tonight. Having said that his faltering Chelsea team needed to wake up, in light of their dismal recent run, he watched them sleepwalk their way through the first half of what was a must-win game. When the boos grumbled around the ground at half-time, it was easy to fear the worst for Ancelotti, despite the clubs desire to stand four-square behind him. His team had looked creatively bankrupt, their confidence seemingly in tatters. Yet a second-half revival cut through the tension. Florent Maloudas tap-in sparked fury in the Bolton Wanderers camp, who argued that Didier Drogba had been offside in the build-up. Yet it was priceless to the champions as it provided a first league win in seven and lifted them back up to fourth place.

Arsenals dropped points at Wigan: Alan Nixon writes Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was fuming after his side were robbed of a last-gasp penalty after a Manchester United player escaped with a handball last night. Sub Samir Nasri cried foul when Wigans on-loan Tom Cleverley raised his arm in the wall to block his free kick as Gunners tried for the win that would have put them level at the top.

Mark Ogden firmly lays the blame on Arsen! e Wenger for defeat at the DW. It is still grim up north for Arsenal but, having made eight changes to his starting line-up before watching his side fail to retain a lead against 10 men, Arsne Wenger only has himself to blame for this latest failure in the North-West. Sebastien Squillacis own goal, that gifted Wigan Athletic a point four minutes after Charles NZogbias dismissal for butting Arsenal substitute Jack Wilshere, prevented Wengers team from moving level with joint leaders Manchester United and Manchester City. Having defeated Chelsea 48 hours earlier at the Emirates, this was a golden opportunity for Arsenal to confirm their title-winning credentials by avenging last Aprils 3-2 defeat at the DW Stadium.

Manchester City close in on Edin Dzeko: Ian Herbert reports: Manchester City were last night moving closer to concluding a 30m deal to make Edin Dzeko the first big name signing of the transfer window, following talks over the Wolfsburg player. Though Sir Alex Ferguson ultimately decided against moving for Dzeko, who scored at Old Trafford for the German side last season, because he believed he lacked pace, the 24-year-olds aerial power and ability to finish with both feet provides Roberto Mancini with another type of striker, as well as an insurance policy against the continued unpredictability of Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli. Dzekos probable arrival City want to conclude a deal within the next week represents reward for an 18-month pursuit of the Bosnian international, who has netted 84 times in 142 games for the 2008-09 Bundesliga champions.

Spurs to win the Premier League: Darren Lewis is pretty confident about Harry Redknapps side: Ive thought it for few weeks, but now I am going to go on the record. I think Spurs can win the League. Laugh all you want and how much (or what) Ive been drinking over the holidays but I believe Spurs have as good a chance as anyone in the top four of finishing top by May. And heres why: It is absolutely true of Harry ! Redknapp to say that this is not a vintage year. Some people use that to decry the quality of the Premier League but I think it is testament to the fact that many of the teams outside the top four are a lot tougher to beat.

Also in the Daily Mirror, we learn that David Beckham could be heading to White Hart Lane. Spurs are top of an amazing list of six Premier League clubs trying to sign David Beckham. The former England captain could be back in Englands top flight in the next few weeks after Tottenham made contact with Beckhams advisers to register an interest about a two-month loan spell. Beckham is having discussions with LA Galaxy about a temporary switch to Europe to boost his fitness levels before the MLS season resumes. Boss Harry Redknapp will have to beat interest from Blackburn, West Ham, Sunderland, Everton and Newcastle, as well as enquiries from Italy and Spain.

Houllier linked with Aston Villa exit: Neil Moxley reports Gerard Houlliers position as manager at Aston Villa is now under review after the clubs power-brokers left Eastlands in a shocked state on Tuesday evening. Villa owner Randy Lerner and chief executive Paul Faulkner were left reeling by the manner in which Houlliers team rolled over against Manchester City and are now considering their next move. Both Villa Park decision-makers are reluctant to call time on the Frenchman after appointing him just three-and-a-half months ago.

Transfer gossip: The Sun run with a few stories including West Ham chairman David Goldis negotiating 15 signings in an amazing game of transfer bluff. Bari are poised to swoop for Mauro Boselli, Federico Macheda wants to head to Italy on loan, Arsenal are set to sell Havard Nordtveit and Manchester City have snubbed a bid from West Ham to take WayneBridge on loan.

The Daily Mail claim Robbie Keane will take a pay cut to join Birmingham or Wolves! , Robert o Mancini has backed Edin Dzeko to win the Premier League for Manchester City and Aiyegbeni Yakubu is eager to join West Ham.

The Daily Mirror say Gerard Houllier is closing in on Colorado Rapids striker Omar Cummings and Big Sam Allardyce has his eye on a shock comeback at Burnley. Jason Burt adds in the Daily Telegraph Mark Hughes will push ahead with plans to buy a striker in the January transfer window after the surprise 2-0 victory away to Stoke City which has secured him more time to continue as Fulham manager.